The sophomore center's rare journey took him to LSU, away from LSU, and back in the span of a year. Porter signed with LSU in February 2010 but was asked to grayshirt, meaning he had to wait a semester before receiving a scholarship, after LSU signed too many scholarship athletes.

The former high school defensive tackle spurned the grayshirt offer and transferred to Kentucky, where he was familiar with some of the coaches. Immediately, he knew it didn't feel right.

Porter said even on his way to Kentucky, the possibility of returning to LSU crossed his mind.

"It was a bad move for me," Porter said. "I've always been an LSU Tiger. Purple and gold's in my blood, it runs through my veins."

Porter, a Waggaman native and former Shaw High School standout, wanted to play football in his home state where a former family member had played. His cousin, the late Ralph Norwood, played at LSU in the 1980s before becoming an offensive lineman with the Atlanta Falcons.

After redshirting with the Wildcats in 2010, Porter decided to return to LSU in 2011, where Coach Les Miles accepted him back to the program. Porter said even through the grayshirt offer, there were no hard feelings with Miles.

"I had to do what I had to do and leave, but coming back was a big-time thing I wanted to do," Porter said. "Kentucky was a nice place, but it wasn't for me. I'm an LSU Tiger at heart."

Brian Bairnsfather, Porter's former offensive line coach at Shaw, said he remembered Porter's tremendous attitude even more than his rare athletic ability as a 6-foot-4, 278-pound lineman. Porter always remained positive, even after missing five games because of injuries his senior year of high school.

It didn't surprise Bairnsfather that Porter was humble and grateful enough to return to play for Miles, for whom Porter has always held a deep respect.

"The one thing without a doubt is he loves LSU and he loves Coach Miles," Bairnsfather said. "He's always wanted to play at LSU."

Bairnsfather is still coaching Porter's brother, Devin, giving Porter another reason to stay in Louisiana.

Now that he's back on the team he felt destined to play for, Porter is garnering attention as a legitimate contender at center. Miles said after Tuesday's spring practice that Porter is one of his favorite young offensive linemen, and he will challenge for playing time this year.

Porter said he knows he's not where he needs to be yet, and he won't let Miles' comments go to his head.

"Everybody has to come hard and work for what they have," Porter said. "No spot is secure, but am I ready to take on the spot? No, I'm not. Not at all. I have to keep working. That's my main focus."

Porter is learning from senior offensive lineman P.J. Lonergan, who has started 24 games at center in his career, and graduate assistant Ben Wilkerson, a former LSU All-America center, whose No. 55 Porter is wearing this year.

Porter said he is thankful for the opportunity to fill those big shoes.

"I turn back on it, and I smile," Porter said of the experience. "It made me a stronger man. I feel like nothing can break me, just because of where I've been and where I'm about to go. I feel like I'm about to go to a special place."

PREPPED UP: Sophomore defensive back Ronnie Vinson is ready to increase his role in the dime defense after learning from former cornerback Ron Brooks last season.

"I feel like I'm getting a better grasp of the position, and hopefully I'll be able to contribute at that position in the fall," Vinson said.

Vinson has learned from former teammates Patrick Peterson and Morris Claiborne in addition to Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon. He said he's been working hard in the weight room since he found out Claiborne's plans to enter the draft.

"I feel like it's my time to make plays, and when I get the opportunity, hopefully I capitalize," Vinson said.

SEVEN ON SEVEN: LSU's skill players took part in a brief 7-on-7 game before Saturday's scrimmage. The offense had trouble completing passes against a strong defense led by Mathieu, a junior, who deflected several passes.

WORTH REPEATING: Quarterback Zach Mettenberger complimented the athleticism of the receiving corps as a whole, but said one has stood out.

"James Wright's really impressed me this spring," Mettenberger said. "He has come a long way since last fall, and his work ethic's been great."